An Amundsen night in Antarctica

In the true style of the early explorers, we venture out at night for a once in a lifetime experience. Although Amundsen, Scott and Nordenskjold had different equipment, they used the best gear available at the time. So do we. This excursion features top of the line camping equipment that meets Antarctic standards for camping on snow.

Published 06.08.2015

Sleeping under the Antarctic sky with only the thin wall of your tent separating you from the elements.

Encounter the Antarctic´s natural elements up close

In the true style of the early explorers we venture out at night

Stay warm and comfortable with top-quality camping gear

Notices

Subject to weather and ice conditions, all tents are two-person capacity. Limited space available. All participants for this activity are chosen by a lottery.

Difficulty level

Level 2: Easy

Duration

One night from late evening to early morning max 10 hours

438 €

This is an after dinner and before breakfast activity offered only where the route, weather and ice conditions allow.

When Scott arrived at the South Pole on the 17th of January 1912, he found a silk tent erected together with a Norwegian flag and pennant from Amundsen’s ship, Fram. The tent was a masterpiece of its time, designed for emergency use. It could fit into the pocket of an anorak and weighed less than two pounds.

Imagine yourself sleeping under the Antarctic sky with little more than the thin wall of a tent separating you from the elements. In the true style of the early explorers we venture out at night for this once in a lifetime chance to feel like a polar explorer. Although Amundsen, Scott and Nordenskjold had different equipment, they used the best gear available at the time. So do we. This excursion features top of the line camping equipment that meets Antarctic standards for camping on snow.

The adventure starts with a pre-camp briefing by the experienced expedition staff who accompany us on the excursion. We set up our camp after dinner with guests participating from beginning to end. If you have never pitched a tent before, this is your chance. After the camp is set up you can either go to bed or sit outside and marvel at the stillness, or listen to penguins in the distance. If the weather permits, we may take short walks to nearby viewpoints and visit penguin colonies in the bright Antarctic night. If you like, wake up early, climb out of your tent and watch the sunrise.

In the morning hours we take down the camp and Polarcirkel boats pick us up for the return trip to the ship. Back on board, we enjoy a special breakfast and debrief the experience.

As an IAATO member, Hurtigruten adheres to all guidelines associated with onshore overnight stays in Antarctica. We leave nothing behind and remove all traces of our presence to protect wildlife and the fragile environment. Join us for this unique and unforgettable experience!

Practical information

Booking code: ONLY BOOKABLE ON BOARD

Water bottle, emergency food, all camping equipment meeting Antarctic standards, survival float suit, special breakfast served back on the ship after camping, special certificate and tailor-made hat.

Walking information: Walking mostly on snow, camping also on snow. Some walking required to the camp. We also offer short hikes if conditions and the site allow.